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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Dodgers cut Russ Mitchell, sign Jamey Wright

In a couple of really minor moves, the Dodgers designated Russ Mitchell for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for the newly signed Todd Coffey.

Mitchell, 27 in a week, was a surprising cut. It was a little curious the Dodgers decided to cut him instead of Trent Oeltjen, as the Dodgers have a glut of outfielders and not a lot of third basemen.

Having said that, Mitchell's Major Leauge career has been less-than impressive thus far.

Mitchell's career numbers (101 plate appearances):

.151/.208/.2904 HR7 RBI1 2B7:18 BB:K ratio

So, the Dodgers aren't missing much. Besides, he's probably not going to get picked up by a team. He's nothing more than Triple-A roster fodder.

The Dodgers also signed journeyman pitcher Jamey Wright to a minor-league deal. Tony Jackson of ESPN LA reported he has an out-clause that allows him to be a free agent at the end of March if he's not added to the 25-man roster.

Much to my surprise, Wright actually pitched well for the Mariners in the last season and a half. He posted a 3.41 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 2010 and a 3.16 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 2011.

Maybe this is the guy who comes out of nowhere to make the Dodgers' bullpen -- it happens every damn year.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him earn a spot in the bullpen by the end of Spring Training. We all know the Dodgers' bullpen was too young to possibly do any good this season. The last three additions have been Mike MacDougal, Coffey and Wright -- all guys in their 30s who will, in all likelihood, not be any better (or worse) than some of the youngsters.

We'll see what happens.

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The Chicago Cubs designated former Dodger Blake DeWitt for assignment on Tuesday in somewhat surprising move.

Man, Ned Colletti just had to have Adam Kennedy, didn't he? DeWitt would have been a much, much better signing than the over-the-hill Kennedy. I'm sure he'll get a look with another team.

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Apparently, Josh Macciello's bid for the Dodgers (the team, the stadium and the land) is $2.2 billion.

"$2.2 is for everything guys. Team, stadium, media rights deal and ALL THE LAND!!!"